Hi, there!
It's been some time since the game released, and like I mentioned in the previous news update, I've got a few details to share about the version 1.1 patch. Note that these screenshots are from the work-in-progress version of the game.
The game will be changing in a few ways with the new patch, and the most noticeable update (aside from the snazzy new visuals!) is the improved gameplay. Instead of clicking on any random part of the screen, you'll now have to click in either of the colored boxes to score. This update in particular was an idea I've had before release, but ultimately chose not to implement at the time. With a clear visual representation of where to score, players should be able to focus more easily on the game, and build a cadence of clicking left and right more easily. In addition, because of this change, the issue where it's possible to earn easy points by clicking near the center arrow will be removed. Use it while you can!
I've also changed the timer to only start ticking down after the first click, as well as guaranteed the red square to be the first one active at the start of each run. These changes should add a bit of predictability to the beginning of each session, while also complementing the new gameplay updates, as well as the change to player lives in normal mode detailed below. I'll be looking forward to feedback on these updates!
Player lives have needed to change for a while, and the solution is fairly simple. Rather than keep the current "you lose, wanna continue?" method of play, you will instead have three lives to use before the game over screen appears. This should make that screen appear less often during any given play session.
Another major addition is the new options menu! This adds some proper display and sound settings the game currently lacks.
There are a lot of other things coming in alongside these, so here's a list of a few major updates to expect:
- Changed the gameplay buttons to be smaller squares with increased visibility.
- Added graphics options for screen resolution, fullscreen, vsync and FPS cap.
- Replaced mute buttons with volume sliders for music and SFX.
- Changed how lives are handled in normal mode. You start with three lives, and lose one with each miss.
- Added the ability to restart a run without returning to the menu.
- Changed the timer so it only starts running after the first click.
- Each run, the red button will always be enabled first. Every selection afterward will still be random, of course!
- Made various graphical changes to the menus.
- Game instructions, player scores, and credits have all been moved into the new options menu.
- Reduced overall color saturation, and reduced/removed some post processing effects.
These are only a few things to come with the 1.1 patch. The complete patch notes will be available when the update goes live in May, and I can't wait to release it!
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the game!